Jahvid Bestís status is no longer a question after he was released this week.

Now veteran running back Reggie Bush is the wild card on offense.

The starting left tackle spot is Reiffís to lose.

The defensive and offensive lines are getting new looks.

More question marks appear on defense than on offense.

Here are the top five positions battles expected in camp and the preseason:

1. Both defensive end starting positions: First-round pick Ezekiel ďZiggyĒ Ansah and newly acquired free agent Jason Jones are the favorites as starters but itís not a fait accompli. Ansah, who as we all know hasnít played much football, showed signs in OTAs and minicamp that one reason the Lions drafted him was his speed off the corner. Coach Jim Schwartz knows Jones well from their days with the Tennessee Titans. Willie Young had reps with the starters while making Ansah earn his time. After minicamp, the Lions signed veteran Israel Idonije who started the last three seasons for the Chicago Bears with a sack total of 20.5 in that span. Fourth-round pick Devin Taylor, who is 6-foot-8, could be in the mix but would expect him to see most of his time this season on special teams. Ronnell Lewis, who was inactive the last seven games last season because he couldnít contribute on special teams, will need an exceptional camp to stay on the roster.

2. Cornerback: Chris Houston is a lock, but there are plenty of cornerbacks battling to start alongside him and to start at nickel too. Expect speedster Darius Slay, who was drafted in the second round, to be in the mix. Veteran Ron Bartell saw plenty of action with the starters in the OTAs and minicamp. But this position is wide open with plenty of candidates including Bill Bentley who earned the start a year ago but had his season cut short by a shoulder injury. Jonte Green got plenty of playing time last year due to so many injuries. Chris Greenwood didnít play a snap during his rookie season due to an abdominal injury so he remains a bit of a mystery. In minicamp and OTAs no contact was allowed which included one-on-one drills pitting defensive backs against wide receivers. Camp will go a long way in determining which corners make the roster.

3. Right tackle: Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox are the top two candidates. Hilliard had impressed in time spent filling in at right tackle here and there over the past few seasons. Fox is finally healthy and thankful the Lions have been patient with him. This could be won or lost in preseason contests which start on Aug. 9.

4. Right guard: Bill Nagy was expected to have an edge here, but his ankle injury from last season still had not healed and he participated in a limited fashion in OTAs and minicamp. Veterans Jake Scott and Leroy Harris appear to be the front-runners. Scott started the final seven games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. From 2005 to 2011, he didnít miss a start for the Titans and Colts. Harris has started 39 games over the past three seasons for the Titans. Draft pick Larry Warford is probably a little raw to step in and start. Others in the mix include Rodney Austin, Dylan Gandy and Darren Keyton.

5. Outside linebacker: With Justin Durant gone (the Lions chose not to re-sign him) thereís an opening for a starting outside linebacker. Ashlee Palmerhas seven starts in the last three seasons with the Lions on his resume and knows this is his big chance to step up. Donít count out two second-year players ó Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis. They are less experienced but in the mix too.